11 Dec 2013

Parliament has been informed that the commander of the BDF tasked all commanding officers to sell the concept of contributing to the Sports and Recreation Fund and the welfare fund to their officers and men under their command

Answering a question in parliament on Tuesday, December 10, minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse said this was done through meetings with members, and it is at the same gatherings that the men were to show their approval or disapproval of the proposal.

He said all members, except for one officer accepted the proposition. He also said the agreement to deduct the money was based on the consent of the members through meetings held with their commanding officers.

Minister Seretse said this procedure is consistent with international best practices and was therefore deemed to be sufficient

He said no individual was made to sign any document. Those members who enlisted after this arrangement are automatically incorporated to the fund in line with spirit de corps.Furthermore, he said the only contributions that were converted into donations are those under the Sports and Recreation Fund and not the welfare fund

. He said it became apparent that the sport equipment that was bought and used by members through the sports fund required to be maintained, and replaced due to wear and tear.

Members were then through BDF Circular No. 114 of 1992 requested to donate to the sports fund as opposed to contributing and being refunded.<BR>MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked the minister the procedure that was followed to seek permission from members of the BDF to contribute to the sports and recreation fund and the welfare fund

He had also wanted to know the agreement when the permission to deduct the money was sought and the procedure that was followed when contributions were then turned into a donation. ENDS